Cheraw's Matthews to Get First Start
|
|
|
Tuesday, Sep 18, 2007 - 11:01 PM Updated: 09:22 AM
By Mark A. Haselden
Saturday will be just like old times for Casper Brinkley. And a
Pee Dee freshman will get his first start in South Carolina’s biggest game so
far of this season.
Brinkley said he is moving back to defensive end, where he played all of last season before being moved to outside linebacker in the spring. Cliff Matthews, a freshman from Cheraw, will take over Brinkley’s weak-side linebacker spot. The shuffling was made necessary when defensive lineman Nathan Pepper tore ligaments in his knee during Saturday’s game against South Carolina State, ending his season.
“Whatever the team needs,” Brinkley said. “If the team needs me at end, I’m there.”
It also allows USC defensive coaches to make better use of Matthews, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said.
“Cliff Matthews is a youngster who can really run,” Spurrier said.
“He can run sideline to sideline. We felt like he would be better at that (linebacker) position. With Nathan Pepper out … that’s the move we felt was best for our defense and for our team.”
Matthews has played in all three games and has seven tackles. His best game was Saturday against South Carolina State, when he made four stops.
“With his (Matthews’) quickness, they’re going to utilize him any way they can,” Brinkley said.
Brinkley said he is moving back to defensive end, where he played all of last season before being moved to outside linebacker in the spring. Cliff Matthews, a freshman from Cheraw, will take over Brinkley’s weak-side linebacker spot. The shuffling was made necessary when defensive lineman Nathan Pepper tore ligaments in his knee during Saturday’s game against South Carolina State, ending his season.
“Whatever the team needs,” Brinkley said. “If the team needs me at end, I’m there.”
It also allows USC defensive coaches to make better use of Matthews, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said.
“Cliff Matthews is a youngster who can really run,” Spurrier said.
“He can run sideline to sideline. We felt like he would be better at that (linebacker) position. With Nathan Pepper out … that’s the move we felt was best for our defense and for our team.”
Matthews has played in all three games and has seven tackles. His best game was Saturday against South Carolina State, when he made four stops.
“With his (Matthews’) quickness, they’re going to utilize him any way they can,” Brinkley said.